(a) The specific recommendations in this Standard cover the
requirements for safety devices and
protective facilities to prevent compressor accidents as a result of
excessive pressure,
destructive mechanical failures, internal fires or explosions, and
leakage of toxic or flammable
fluids. General safety practices and hazards unique to compressors are
also covered. This Standard
applies to the compressor and its auxiliaries, including drivers,
intercoolers, surge chambers,
disengaging drums or scrubbers, interconnecting piping and
lubrication, seal oil, and jacket water
systems. The requirements of this Standard apply to all types of
compressors (centrifugal, axial,
rotary, and reciprocating) which are an integral part of facilities
for processing petroleum,
petrochemicals, or chemicals, including air separation plants. They do
not apply to gas
transmission compressors, isolated petroleum production field
compressors, or plant air compressors
in manufacturing plants other than the process industries mentioned
above

(b) Although the provisions of this Standard will apply to the
majority of typical compressors used
in the process industries, exceptions to these recommendations with
regard to certain facilities of
unusual design or complexity may be necessary. In such cases, it is
intended that designers capable
of applying a complete and rigorous analysis to system requirements
shall have latitude in the
development of safety features. Provisions in this Standard are not
intended to apply to (1) and
(2) below:

(1) basic mechanical design of compressor components. This Standard is
based on the requirement
that the compressor components be designed by qualified engineers in
accordance with the recognized
standards and specifications. Further, it is essential that these
engineers have a thorough
knowledge of the basic concepts of the design of such equipment
components as cylinders, pistons,
crank-shafts, flywheels, bearings, pressure vessels, and piping.

(2) design and operation of connected process facilities.

(c) The principles promoting safe operation of compressors used for
process industries are not
restricted to new compressor systems. It is recommended that all
compressor systems be reviewed to
consider possible changes due to revision of this Standard.